Robert's Travel Blog

 Medellín is known as "the city of eternal spring," so there are are beautiful blooms everywhere . . .  

 Imagine tiny shops selling everything, mashed up against tiny restaurants and bars with booming music, then set it going up a steep hill -- that's Comuna 13. I'll let AI give you the skinny: "Once a symbol of violence, Medellín's Comuna 13 is now a vibrant center of social transformation.  Known for its colorful street art, outdoor escalators, and breakdancing crews, it celebrates resilience through hip-hop culture.  Visitors flock there to experience its powerful history, stunning hillside views, and welcoming community spirit." I had sort of planned to do this on my own, but am SO glad I took a tour -- just the logistics of getting there were extremely complicated.  We took the metro, cable car, then bus. Everywhere was crowded.  I kept my phone and wallet in the same pocket so I'd only have one pocket to worry about. Did I forget to mention that almost all the streets are incredibly narrow? Breakdancing performance, for tips: Oh, those abs! Fun optical ill...

 That translates as "Little Village of the Antioquians," Antioquia being the area surrounding Medellín.  It's a Disney-esque re-creation of a typical village, and incredibly touristy, but still kind of kitschy fun. The small church has another creepy 3D Jesus -- what is it with the Catholics, two dimensions of dead Jesus isn't enough? Yo!  In the mid-morning heat (77 degrees) I had my second BBC.  This was their blond, very nice. I swear the motto on the bottom says "The Ingredient is Size."  Someone has a sense of humor . . . There's an "art walk" which I now regret not taking. I had my first oblea!  See my post about Colombian food for more info: This is a statue of Chief Nutibara (and his warrior friend with the incredible pecs), who led the resistance against the Spanish in 1536: The pueblito is built on a 60m hill, but what would otherwise be "sweeping" views are mostly obscured by foliage:

 Seen at the Santiago airport - dunno what it actually stands for, but it made me giggle like a schoolboy: On the flight I sat next to a big, extremely tattooed leather/denim-dressed biker type, scary until I saw him kissing the guy next to him on the neck.  We had a nice chat, and if I need a place to stay in Costa Rica, I'm set! Due to a last-minute foul-up, I spent my first night in the historical center.  Normally I enjoy the hustle and bustle, but this was madness -- impossible to walk anywhere without almost bumping into someone. I had a "light" typical breakfast, eggs, an arepa (fried corn cake) and a hunk of queso fresco (fresh cheese).  $2 of yum! Finally, on to Laureles!  The guide books describe it as the second-best neighborhood, after Poblado, for first-time visitors to Medellín.  And indeed, it's lovely -- I would call it middle- or a bit above class, with lots of areas that are filled with interesting-looking restaurants and bars.  Very ...